Multi-Source Illuminator for Uniform Near-to-Far-Field Irradiance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scanners face issues with inconsistent irradiance levels at varying distances, leading to either too much or too little light intensity in the near and far fields, which affects the effective scanning of optical information.
Innovation Solution
A multi-source illuminator system that optimizes light projection by offsetting light emitting components and adjusting the curvature or tilt of lens surfaces to maintain uniform irradiance across a range of distances, using methods such as offsetting LEDs on their PCBs and tilting/curving lens surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light is concentrated in the far field, then the minimum irradiance level is reached, but at short distances there is either too much irradiance or too little
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminator is divided into multiple light emitting components (first subset and second subset) that are offset from the optical axis at different positions. Each component contributes to the overall irradiance distribution, with the segmentation allowing different regions of the illumination field to be optimized independently for near-field and far-field performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the illumination field are provided with different local qualities by positioning light emitting components at specific offset distances from the optical axis. The first subset of components is positioned to optimize irradiance in certain angular ranges while the second subset optimizes other ranges, creating locally optimized irradiance distribution that collectively achieves uniformity across all distances.
2Illumination intensity
If the standard approach concentrates light in far field, then minimum irradiance is achieved, but irradiance consistency at near field distances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitting components are segmented into multiple subsets positioned at different radial offsets from the optical axis. This segmentation enables the system to maintain reliable irradiance levels across varying distances by having different subsets contribute differently based on the viewing angle and distance, ensuring consistent performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The light emitting components are positioned asymmetrically at different radial distances from the optical axis rather than symmetrically. This asymmetric positioning creates a controlled irradiance distribution pattern that maintains stability across near-field and far-field distances by balancing the contribution of each offset component.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple light emitting components are offset from the optical axis, then irradiance uniformity across distances is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple light emitting components positioned at different offsets serve universal functions - each component contributes to both near-field and far-field illumination, though with different weights. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve irradiance uniformity across all distances without requiring separate specialized systems for near-field and far-field illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination function is merged across multiple light emitting components that work together in a coordinated manner. Rather than using separate illumination systems for different distance ranges, the invention combines multiple components into a single integrated illuminator that collectively provides uniform irradiance across the entire operating range.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Achieves consistent irradiance levels within a predefined range from near to far field distances, enhancing the scanning performance of optical information systems without the need for post-design lens manipulation.
Implementation Method 1
Each optical lens subsystem has a first optically active surface and a second optically active surface... The optical lens subsystem projects a beam of light emitted by the light emitting component
Data Source
AI summary
A scanner that reads optical luminance at a field of view (FoV) includes an illuminator that provides light beams to a surface that may be located from a near field to a far field of the FoV. The illuminator can provide optical luminance that has an irradiance, which is uniform or within a certain range from the near field FoV to the far field FoV. The irradiance is achieved by adjusting the location of light emitting components and adjusting the power.